Vignobles Lassagne

Vignobles Lassagne is owned by Nicolas Lassagne and his wife Sabrina. At the beginning there was only one Estate, Château des Arnauds, but Daniel Lassagne and later Nicolas Lassagne expanded the Family vineyards as they bought some properties, one in the Lussac Saint Emilion AOC (Chateau des Landes) and then in the Lalande de Pomerol AOC (Chateau Maltus).

Nicolas (Left), his father Daniel (center) and his grandfather Paul (Right) in 2001

History

Date Founded: 1952

Owner: Nicolas Lassagne

Winery Philosophy: Nicolas continues the family tradition with passion, aiming at making quality wines. He uses both the preceding generations' expertise and the new technologies in modern viticulture and oenology. Along with his wife, and the help of his Father, he tries to enhance each terroir in order to produce a range of rich and diversified wines which can suit different customers.

It started as Château des Arnauds and it was founded in 1952 by Paul Lassagne, Nicolas' grandfather. He started with only 2 hectares and grew to 7 hectares in 1979. His son, Daniel, came along and bought more vineyards surrounding the cellar (Chateau des Landes) and he managed to grow to 27 hectares in almost 20 years. In 2001, Nicolas, joined the team and decided to continue on the Family's tradition bringing his expertise and his knowledge. Nicolas is now in charge of the Estate and he manages 32 hectares of vineyards (80 acres). The latest addition was Chateau Maltus in Lalande de Pomerol, acquired in 2015.

Winery/Vineyards

Winery Acreage: 80 acres (32 hectares)

Varietals Produced: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Winemaker: Nicolas Lassagne

The entire vineyard currently measures 32 hectares and it is divided onto 3 properties, 3 brands.

• Chateau des Landes: This represent the majority of the vineyards owned by the Lassagne Family (27 hectares = 66 acres). It is planted with mostly Merlot, around 85%, the rest being Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). The soil is Limestone and Clay and it is located in the Lussac Saint Emilion AOC. The vine density is 5,500 plants per hectares and the average age of the vines is 30 years old. Maximum yield allowed is 55 hl/ha.

• Chateau des Arnauds: The small 2-hectare Estate (5 acres) is planted to 100% Merlot in the Bordeaux AOC. The soil has a little more gravel, perfect for this grape varietal, giving some flinty, mineral, ripe clean fruit flavors. The vineyards are located just North of the Chateau des Landes, in the commune of Abzac, and it is planted with a perfect South sun exposure. The vine density is 5,500 plants per hectares and the average age of the vines is 20 years old. Maximum yield allowed is 55 hl/ha.

• Chateau Maltus: This is the latest addition to the Vignobles Lassagne. The vines are located in the Lalande de Pomerol AOC.

This is the newest project from Nicolas Lassagne (Chateau des Landes). He acquired this 2.5 ha (6.17 acres) parcel in 2015. Lalande de Pomerol AOC is 1,100 hectares in size producing more than 500,000 cases per year.

Beautiful sustained deep purple color.The Bouquet is rich, generous, complex and reveals notes of black fruits. The iron-rich soil gives a fat and metallic taste, which many associates with truffles. The palate is round and powerful with some good integrated tannins. The finish is long and structured.

Origin of the name: History tells us that the origin of the Château Maltus goes back to the Middle Ages, in the time of the crusades. The Order of Malta, well implanted on the land named Lalande de Pomerol, cultivated for the first time vines on the grounds of the Château Maltus.

Aged 18 months in French Oak Barrels from the Allier and Limousin forests.

Serving Temp

60-65°F

Closure

Cork

Production

5,300 bottles

Wine Making Notes

Wine estate size: 2.5 hectares (6.17 acres)Density: 5,500 vines / hectare. Average age of the vines: 55 years. Terroir: Clay and gravel, similar to the soils found in Pomerol. A good amount of iron oxide ("crasse de fer") can be found in the soils as well.Grape varieties: 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Yield : 50hl / hectare.Vats : Stainless steel with temperature control.Fermentation: 45 to 50 days. Malolactic fermentation in barrels. Ageing: maturing for 18 months in new French Oak barrels from the Limousin and Allier forests.

Pairings

Chateau Maltus Lalande de Pomerol will be a perfect match for grilled pork chops, beef stew, spanish paella and any strong cheese.

2015 Chateau Maltus Lalande de Pomerol - 90 PTS - WE

"The 30% Cabernet Franc in the blend makes all the difference to this rich perfumed wine. It has tannins and plenty of spicy flavors from wood fermentation and aging. The secret, though, is that it also has rich layered blackberries and the acidity to give the wine a lift. Drink from 2020. - Roger Voss"